Rap mogul Diddy is taking on Steve Angello, Claude VonStroke and The Martinez Brothers at the WMC. “I want people to know that I can do underground records and parties too,” says Diddy. “This party is not for commercial dance music muthf*%kas!"
He's talking about The Main Event, which is happening in Miami this Friday. According to Diddy, the party is going to take dance music by the scruff of the neck and give it a good shake. "Honestly, the reason I'm doing it is because I'm not impressed with what I've been hearing recently," says Diddy. "A music conference is supposed to be about freshness and innovation and a remarkable music experience. Sadly, I feel that the last couple of conferences have lacked innovation.”
The party is organized by British dance rag Mixmag, who Diddy contacted three weeks ago to put it together at the last minute. Diddy's specifications were simple: he wanted DJs “who are really pushing the envelope. Not the big DJs—I've done that.” He asked Mixmag what the hottest dance music was, and they played him some music, including 'The Whistler' by Claude VonStroke and 'My Rendition' by The Martinez Brothers.
"I loved 'The Whistler' as soon as I heard it," says Diddy. "There was a uniqueness in the track and it had edgy motherfuckin' energy. I'm in love wit Claude!"
The result? A DJ vs. hip-hopper battle with Steve Angello, Claude VonStroke and teenage protégés The Martinez Brothers getting down with Diddy at Cameo Miami. “I think we have to be clear about what this is: it's not me going against the DJs, it's a collaboration,” says Diddy. “I will be integrating vocals and live keyboards into the mix so it will be a tour de force mash-up.”
Diddy has also released a wired-up video promo for the party, which you most definitely have to watch.
